Kathleen Kearns

José M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

Kearns, 55, a self-employed graphic designer in Chicago, has struggled to obtain insurance for herself and her 20-year-old daughter, who currently is covered under her stepmothers health plan. She purchased a Blue Cross-Blue Shield plan, but as her age went up so did her premium, she said. "I'm just really happy," she said. "For me personally, I feel less fear about being able to purchase health insurance."

Kearns, 55, a self-employed graphic designer in Chicago, has struggled to obtain insurance for herself and her 20-year-old daughter, who currently is covered under her stepmothers health plan. She purchased a Blue Cross-Blue Shield plan, but as her age went up so did her premium, she said. "I'm just really happy," she said. "For me personally, I feel less fear about being able to purchase health insurance." (José M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune)

Kearns, 55, a self-employed graphic designer in Chicago, has struggled to obtain insurance for herself and her 20-year-old daughter, who currently is covered under her stepmothers health plan. She purchased a Blue Cross-Blue Shield plan, but as her age went up so did her premium, she said. "I'm just really happy," she said. "For me personally, I feel less fear about being able to purchase health insurance."